Considered the high-risk component in the radar antenna assembly, the feed manifold generates the Az/El monopulse radio frequency (RF) signal characteristics that are required to achieve the next-generation stationary target indicator (STI) performance specified for the Comanche radar.

"The antenna was delivered ahead of schedule and on cost, which is a tremendous achievement considering that the feed manifold's layered design and the vacuum brazing process used in its manufacture represent firsts of their kind," said Barbara T. Mathews, program manager for the Comanche radar at Northrop Grumman. "This major hurdle in the antenna development marks the first step toward achieving the program's primary goal -- which is to match Longbow detection performance against stationary targets using an antenna aperture one-half the size of Longbow's."

In preparation for the next program milestone, STI data collection, the Comanche antenna will be installed on a Longbow mast-mounted assembly and integrated with an STI software load. The actual STI data collection testing is scheduled for June 2003.

Longbow Limited Liability Company, a joint venture of Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, is providing the Comanche fire control radar under contract to the prime contractor team of Boeing and Sikorsky.